Security researchers intercepted cell phone calls & hacked ATMs

Two security researchers demoed vulnerabilities with worldwide implications on stage,

- Hacker shows how he can intercept cell phone calls with $1,500 device

- Researcher shows how to hack ATMs with “Dillinger” tool. Update: Also check out these two articles. [HT Bruce Schneier]

Cutest 5 & 7 years old construction crew

I adore my blog friend Evan’s 2 daughters (7 years old ff & 5 years old yy) in Sweden. The girls are amongst the cutest of little girls I’ve seen but not have the pleasure of meeting in person yet. Anyway, I think Evan and her husband are great parents as they are teaching the kids some useful life-skills and the important notations of self-reliance and responsibility. In contrast, kids in Hong Kong are much more spoiled and even kids in Canada are more shielded.

Check out some pictures of ff and yy hard at work on their home in Gothenburg, Sweden. (The text are in Chinese but you don’t need to read the text to understand what I mean.)

Colour association (色彩聯想) – 43rd edition of 2weeks1gathering

Taking colour association (色彩聯想) as a topic, the first thing come to my mind are the “brands” that tried/try to “own” a colour. Here are some examples.

Green by Greenpeace or environmental causes.

Pink by breast cancer foundations.

Blue (Big Blue) by IBM.

Orange by a revolution and a mobile operator.

Yellow by a politician and her revolution. And even I have been using the exact same yellow in my website, something I haven’t talked about much.

Of course, sometimes the colour instead of the ideas behind the colour can become a loaded-baggage like someone being branded “green“, which is why Kevin Roberts has suggested changing from Green to True Blue.

For other writers’ articles, see 2weeks 1gathering.

P.S. Some years ago, possibly after a random chat with my dad, I started to think about colours in reference to the Pantone colour matching system. In hindsight, I think that was a very “business-oriented” and scientific way of thinking about colour.

Exactly 4 years

Today, July 29th, 2010, is exactly four years after I published my first online entry on July 29th, 2006. I’ve done some navel-gazing when I posted my 2,001th and 3,000th post.

The following is an edited version of my reply to some friends today. My friends want to start an online publication to continue sharing their ideas and passion for democracy in China and Hong Kong (some months ago they stopped publication of their monthly free community newspaper).

Over the last four years, I have published over 3,000 posts. Some are shorter posts, some took me days and over months to plan and execute. Some are my personal comments. Some are simply things I find interesting. I’ve written about Science & Technologies. I’ve done many many interviews (audio or video). Some entries include video reports of provincial and federal ministers. This year, I even reported on Prime minister Harper’s visits to Calgary (twice). I have interviewed successful businessmen in Canada and I have interviewed Oscar winning director plus up and coming directors. I’ve even written food review because I love food.

I am not trying to brag, my effort over the last four years have allowed my site to gain enough “online reputation” and now for certain subjects/keywords, search engines (including Google) have put my work up on page one of their search results page. So people find my work via Google.

As I mentioned, I don’t have time to be part of your project, there are many things I need to do. But I will try to share my insight if and when I have time.

It took me over 1,000 entries (probably close to 2,000) for me to feel that I am getting the hang of what is good and what my “style” is. So I say before you have published at least 100 entries don’t make snap judgement too quickly. You are still learning. And I still consider myself learning by doing.

I think there are a lot more to be learn about online publishing for us all. And at the end of the day, we are as good as our content. If there are continue good content, then people will find you.

P.S. I almost forgot today is the fourth year anniversary of the first publication of my blog so I want to thank my friends for indirectly reminding me of the anniversary.

App inventor for Android in action

For more read Jeff.

Good Camera, Bad Tweets – Unfollow Phantom

If you have the need for it, the super high speed Phantom video cameras (1,455 fps @max res, or 280,000 fps @lower res) can be very useful if you have the money to spend. But I am very disappointed by its Tweets/marketing messages on Twitter.

Seriously, no matter how cool a piece of information may be, you cannot repeat it 7 times (1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7) in seven days (see note 1) without risking your followers considering all of your tweets annoying spam! There is a line between cool/useful information and complete spam, unfortunately @phantomhispeed has crossed it again and again (knowingly or otherwise). So I have no choice but to unfollow @phantomhispeed.

You see, your Twitter followers are likely to be people who find your products exciting/interesting/worthy of attention/cool already. So why not providing them with fresh reasons/info that your products are cool without annoying them?

If managed properly, so much more can be done with the Phantom brand. And, in my opinion, there are very good potentials for Phantom to become a loved brand online.

note 1: I only looked at the last seven days but I am fairly sure that the information has likely been repeated daily because it was originally published in Feb 2010, and it is still being retweeted daily five months later in July 2010!

At the moment, @phantomhispeed is following 1,924 people and has 794 followers. If I were a betting man, I would bet a dollar that 1,100+ people has unfollowed @phantomhispeed because they just could take the spams anymore.

Will Barb Higgins be good as Calgary Mayor?

Update: It surprised no one that Barb Higgins has announced she is running for mayor. With little/no details other than describing her political position as “strong, fiscal conservative”,  Barb will undoubtedly appearing as her usual charming self on the afternoon and evening news. With Barb entering the mayoral race, it must be extremely frustrating for the other eleven candidates. For now, they are simply known as the “other candidates” (their names are: “Craig Burrows, Joe Connelly, Bob Hawkesworth, Kent Hehr, Paul Hughes, Gary Johnston, Alnoor Kassam, Jon Lord, Ric McIver, Naheed Nenshi, and Wayne Stewart”). [via CTV Calgary]

It hasn’t lost on me that Barb’s experiences alone will be a tough match for the other candidates’ election campaign/fund raising/media teams to match. I feel for the “other candidates“.

As I wrote below, without knowing Barb’s platform, this “blank canvas” may turn out a painting that surprises us all, in a bad way.

Here is a link to Barb Higgins’ campaign website.

***

It won’t surprise anyone if former CTV Calgary news anchor Barb Higgins announces later today that she is running for Calgary mayor in the October election.

Calgary Sun’s editorial has a point in saying, “After 21 years of visiting our homes on an almost daily basis, Higgins enjoys the kind of name recognition you couldn’t buy with the richest campaign budget.” And (emphasis added), “Her TV persona is familiar to us, but how much do we know about this broadcaster’s political views or ability to run a city of more than a million people with an operating budget of $2.6 billion? Not much, it turns out, but that could work to her advantage.“

Yes, Barb’s TV persona is familiar to us and I would go further and say she seems nice and very charming (on TV, as I’ve never met her in person). At the same time, I caution fellow Calgarians in putting blind trust in electing someone to the job of Mayor without knowing her/his policies and politics. A “blank canvas upon which voters can paint their own hopes and aspirations” may turn out a painting that surprises us all, in a bad way.

I can’t help but think of former CTV journalist-turned-politician Mike Duffy, his words and actions since his appointment as Senator has lead me to think he is not suitable to sit in the chamber known as a place for “sober second thought”. Unfortunately, he now holds that position for life (until we have a Triple-E Senate) .

For the last thirty years, Calgary mayors, not unlike Senators, had kept their jobs “for life” (never unelected/fired, only when they decided to move on). The only exception was the appointed Mayor Hartman in 1989.

So Calgary voters have to be careful because whoever gets the mayor job in October, he/she may have the momentum to stay as mayor for some years to come if she/he decides to stay on.

If Barb is indeed entering the race for mayor as expected, I trust the coming weeks will be lively and interesting. But lets hope the best and most capable candidate wins and not just the most charming and telegenic person.

Disclosure: I have watched CTV News at 6 for almost 13 years and think Barb was a wonderful anchor. But I hope the candidates (including Barb) will want to win as a result of their abilities, politics, and policies and not just because of their charms and looks.

More news:

- “Ex-news anchor Higgins runs for mayor“, CBC

- “Higgins joins race for mayor“, Calgary Herald

- “Former TV anchor enjoys instant edge  - Higgins expected to join mayor’s race“, Calgary Herald

- “Higgins’ entry will alter mayor’s race“, Calgary Herald

TRON: LEGACY (Official Trailer # 2)

If the movie is anywhere near as fun to watch as the trailer, Tron: Legacy will be a must see film.

And the first trailer, in case you haven’t seen it yet.

Fast Lane – Fun Theory (Ads that are fun to watch)

Here are some fun and effective ads. [HT Bud]

Fast Lane – The Slide

Fast Lane – The Shopping Carts

Fast Lane – The Elevator

By the way, the tiny cameras used in the videos are Go Pro’s cameras. Check out my video interview with Nicholas Woodman, Founder and CEO of Go Pro, at 2010 NAB Show.

Actor Maury Chaykin dies at 61

Actor Maury Chaykin dies at 61, CBC News. (wikipedia)

Here is a QTV interview in Apr, 2010.

Here is a HBO Canada “Less Than Kind” Interview.

RIP Maury.

Life in a Day – Calgary, Alberta, Canada – Chinatown Grannies

This past Saturday, July 24, 2010, I interviewed one of the Grannies in Calgary Chinatown for the worldwide YouTube project Life in a Day.

I feel great to have shot the film, put it on YouTube and added closed caption for it. Unfortunately, due to the extensive legal “Appearance Release” form, I won’t be able to submit the clip to the project. Granny just won’t be able to understand and give an informed consent.

Anyway, it is still wonderful to have talked to this Granny and keep it for the record.

Matthew Weiner on Mad Men @ 2010 NAB Show

Matthew Weiner‘s Mad Men is a great show. I found some footage I shot of Mad Men show creator and showrunner Weiner talking about Mad Men @ the 2010 NAB Show. Enjoy.

She & Him perform on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson tonight! (July 26th)

She & Him perform on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson tonight (July 26th)! Here is their lovely “In the Sun“.

July 27 Update: Here is the performance last night.

Why the Census Matters to the Canadian Jewish Congress

For the record, why the Census Matters to the Canadian Jewish Congress. [via David Eaves]

Twitter debate btwn @doctorow & @mpjamesmoore (Minister of Canadian Heritage)

This is one insightful twitter debate about Canadian copyright, Apple’s digital locks (TPM) and more, [via @doctorow captured by David Eaves]

“Twitter debate btwn @doctorow & @mpjamesmoore Moore defended Apple’s digital locks. US now says ok to break http://bit.ly/9Pp3uw“

Samsung Mobile Canada Galaxy S marketing campaign/gambit

As a follow up to “Samsung Free Galaxy S gambit v. iPhone 4 – Time to go global?“, it looks like Samsung UK isn’t turning the gambit/campaign global (responsible for UK planning only?).

But very interestingly, the @SamsungMobileCA team has reached out to me!

I really think there is a great opportunity for the Canadian @SamsungMobileCA team to improve upon the Samsung UK marketing gambit/campaign. How about sending Galaxy S to more authentic/average “digital influencers”? My point is to be more inclusive/authentic and less cherry-picking.

Dear @SamsungMobileCA, please send some Galaxy S to more average Canadian “Joe & Jane”s. See my tweet reply to @SamsungMobileCA.

(Big disclosure: I’ve asked to have a Galaxy S phone. :)

By the way, there is a “BIG announcement coming … Follow and stay tuned to Twitter #SamsungSecret“. Will see what do they have in store for us.

Life in a Day – Calgary, Alberta, Canada

YouTube’s Life in a Day project is a wonderful worldwide experiment. My first contribution is the following clip of my neighbours Keith, Betty Loo & Sarah talking about their beautiful vegetables garden. In fact, Life in a Day gave me a wonderful excuse to say hello and talk to them for the first time.

Life in a Day – Hare Krishna Festival celebrations

Life in a Day – Chinatown Grannies

Life in a Day – What do I have in my pockets?

I have shot some more footage and they will be uploaded soon.

Other Calgary contributions

I am checking out other Calgary contributions and will be adding some of them here. Here is “Uncle and nieces spend an afternoon in a local Calgary park.“

News about Life in a Day

* “YouTube Film ‘Life in a Day’ to Employ User-Generated Content“, WSJ Blog

* “Katie Couric’s Notebook: Life in a Day“, CBS

Samsung Free Galaxy S gambit v. iPhone 4 – Time to go global?

Yes, Guardian has confirmed that Samsung UK started giving out Free Galaxy S phone last Wednesday (July 21) to someone who had a smartphone dilemma (deciding between iPhone 4, Samsung, htc). Will (the above “someone”) even joked about getting famous for getting the free Galaxy S. So far, Will still loves the phone. Another user, Tiffany complained about iPhone 4 dropping calls, and she also received a Galaxy S (and posted a picture) and joked about her celebrity status.

The “calculated” vs “authentic” dilemma

Quoting Guardian, (emphasis added)

“You get the picture, right? Less a “cross section of customers reporting iPhone reception problems,” more of a cherry-picked bunch of digital influencers.”

Using traditional thinking, Samsung UK calculated the cost & benefit, and then picked the “digital influencers” to send the free phones. But reporters are smart, and they can easily identify/cherry-pick “digital influencers” thus making the exercise seem much more “calculated” and less authentic.

Some ideas of how Samsung should proceed on this “campaign” (my current thinking only):

1) I think Samsung should seize on the attention it is getting and turn this UK originated marketing gambit into potentially a global initiative provided the Galaxy S phone is as good as Samsung wants people to think. (note: If the Galaxy S turns out to have various problems of its own, then picking a fight with iPhone 4 is probably a very bad idea.)

2) Assuming 20 Galaxy S phones are handed out in each country (4 phones a week, for 5 weeks, the phones retails at $599 in Canada), I just can’t imagine spending less than $12,000 in Canada to get people to consider the Galaxy S as a first Android challenger to the iPhone 4. The free phones offer sends a strong message to potential users, “we are as good as the iPhone 4″.

3) Again, Galaxy S has to be a really good phone (I don’t know if it is any good) or this gambit will surely come back and bite Samsung.

(Disclosure: I’ve asked to have a Galaxy S phone. :)

July 26 update: Cool, looks like the Samsung Canadian team has heard me. Now, will or I get a Galaxy S? :)

Other news

“Samsung’s dilemma: How to attack its customer (Apple)” – ‘According to iSuppli, Samsung makes three of the most expensive and important parts of the iPhone 4, The processor, the SDRAM and Flash storage’, CNN

“Samsung gives free Galaxy S to iPhone whiners“, cNet also confirmed Samsung is not offering the promotion in the United States. I think this is a mistake.

“Galaxy Phones From Samsung are Worthy iPhone Rivals“, WSJ’s Walter S. Mossberg

“Samsung prepared Galaxy full-line up to compete with Apple“, cNet

“Samsung offers free phones to frustrated iPhone users“, Wired

Galaxy S Demo

By the way, check out the following Galaxy S Demo. The Swype technology seems quite neat but I have to try it to see for myself, unfortunately the demo gave a terribly unclear demo of the technology.

July 26th update: Interestingly, the @SamsungMobileCA team has reached out to me. I have written a new blog entry “Samsung Mobile Canada Galaxy S marketing campaign/gambit“.

Film Your Day for worldwide Life in a Day YouTube project (July 24, 2010)

July 25 Update: Here are some of my video clips for Life in a Day – Calgary, Alberta, Canada.

***

It is “Life in a Day” day. I am going out to film my day. Go out and film your day too. Have fun. (If you like, you can check out the guidelines.)

Ridley Scott on Life In A Day. Pick up a digital camera and just do it.

Kevin Macdonald on Life In A Day.

Dateline: Bagby’s story & Kurt Kuenne’s documentary Dear Zachary

Post Dateline viewing: Even I’ve seen Dear Zachary and have followed the story since 2008, I am still touched by the Dateline report tonight. Mind you, I wished Dateline had mentioned more about the latest re Bail reform bill C-464 though. I confirmed with Kurt that the bill has passed through the house of commons and is in committee in the Senate, only two more steps away. I am keeping my fingers crossed and hope all goes well.

***

Since the 2008 Calgary International Film Festival, I’ve written articles and done audio and video interviews (see below) about the Bagby’s story and Kurt Kuenne’s documentary Dear Zachary. I have been deeply touched by what happened and I still try to keep in touch with Kurt about his effort in changing laws in Canada.

I just found out Dateline NBC has a report on the story and you can live chat with Kurt from 8pm – 12 midnight PT tonight (July 23, 2010). Dateline is airing at 10pm MST in Calgary and I am watching it now.

*Bail reform bill C-464

* Dear Zachary: a letter to a son about his father

* “Dear Zachary” trailer featured in Variety

* 2008 CIFF: Dear Zachary – David & Kate Bagby’s path to justice for the death in their family (video interview with David and Kate)

* Dear Zachary – chat with Kurt Kuenne – 2008 CIFF (audio interview with Kurt)